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Landlord crackdown: Victoria makes rental taskforce permanent
Victoria has made its rental taskforce permanent, with expanded resources set to increase scrutiny of landlords and enforcement across the state’s rental market.
Following the completion of its initial two-year project, the Renting Taskforce became a permanent part of Consumer Affairs Victoria, with expanded resources in a bid to continue its crackdown on landlords.
The taskforce will continue monitoring Victoria’s rental market and taking action against offences including false advertising, substandard properties, and failure to lodge rental bonds.
As it becomes permanent, the taskforce will also receive additional resources, including more inspectors and lawyers, to strengthen protections for Victorian renters.
Since 2024, the taskforce has assessed more than 2,600 rental cases and inspected over 600 properties to check compliance with minimum standards.
It has also issued more than 250 official warnings and 130 infringements totalling more than $900,000.
Earlier this year, the watchdog secured more than $1 million in penalties and compensation from accommodation provider Ingenia Gardens after finding units for older Victorians lacked basic kitchen facilities and contained unfair terms preventing residents from cooking at home.
Consumer Affairs Victoria director Nicole Rich said making the taskforce permanent would give renters more support and strengthen protections across the accommodation market.
“Renters should understand their rights, get help when they need it and have confidence that Victoria’s rental laws are being followed,” Rich said.
As Victoria’s rental laws continue to be applied in 2026, Rich said the taskforce would help agents and rental providers navigate their new responsibilities while keeping a close watch on compliance.
From early 2027, the Victorian Renter Rights Program will expand access to advice, support and advocacy, in a bid to double the number of people supported annually to over 25,000 once fully rolled out.
The program includes four local and statewide services: the Renter Rights Service, Renting Central Service, Victorian Renters Helpline, and Older Persons Housing Rights Service, and builds on existing programs.
“Making the Renting Taskforce permanent and delivering better access to advice and support will help improve outcomes for renters across Victoria,” Rich said.
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